Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday expressed profound sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, which claimed hundreds of lives and left several injured. In a heartfelt message, he extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished for the swift recovery of the injured.

“In this hour of grief, the whole country stands with the families of the deceased. We wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. This incident is extremely saddening. This accident has saddened the people of many countries. We pay tribute to the deceased,” said Om Birla.

The crash, which involved a Boeing 787 aircraft bound for London Gatwick, took place shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, plummeted into a medical college campus in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar locality, resulting in widespread devastation and international mourning.